Double Vision in The Great Gatsby

Summary: Evaluates the F.Scott Fitzgerald classic novel, The Great Gatsby. Describes the concept of double vision and how it can be applied to many aspects of The Great Gatsby. In this essay it is applied to just a few such as the character of Gatsby himself.

F. Scott Fitzgerald once stated that the test of a first rate intelligence was the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. This intelligence he describes is characterized by the principle of "double vision." The principle of double vision can be applied to many people, places, and events in The Great Gatsby. Gatsby himself is a double vision. On one hand we see Gatsby as popular on the other hand we see him as a very lonely, insecure man. Gatsby's parties are seen with a double vision too. On one hand Jordan portrays the parties as great fun and on the other hand Nick shows them as boring and unfriendly. East Egg is also shown through two different sets of eyes as well. At the beginning of The Great Gatsby East Egg is shown as...